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The annual Sebring Sport Aviation Expo has a hard time catching a break from Mother Nature. Despite that, the event is showing signs of life, with better organization, and is apparently listening to critiques from years past. Cooler temperatures, rain, and high winds typified much of the event, but it didn't keep a fair segment of the Sport Aviation Universe from showing up. Gyroplanes continue to show signs of Life, while formally popular powered parachutes seem to be disappearing at a rapid rate. Amphibs continue to get a lot of attention, with the Progressive Aerodyne Searey, in particular, drawing most of the attention. On the other hand, the Icon A5 was there... but for most of the event, it’s staff wasn't. The Erie, PA Airport Authority Board recently imposed a $2,000 annual licensing fee on mechanics who work on airplanes at Erie International Airport (KERI), and it’s making some GA pilots feel like the board does not want them. A&P mechanics must also carry at least $1 million insurance. Airport executive director Derek Martin said the new requirements were necessary to bring the airport into compliance with federal rules but failed to cite specitics. The partial government shutdown ended Friday ... at least temporarily ... with an agreement between the White House and Congress to begin recalling furloughed workers. Among those welcoming the move was NATCA, the union representing air traffic controllers, many of whom worked without pay since just before Christmas. "After 35 days of this senseless government shutdown, we are grateful and relieved that the President and Congress reached an agreement to temporarily end the shutdown and reopen the government through February 15, 2019," said NATCA president Paul Rinaldi in a statement released to the media. All this -- and MORE in today's episode of Airborne!!!

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